Sen. Lacson's Sponsorship Speech for 3 ambassadors and 2 Foreign Service officers before the Commission of Appointments' plenary session

Likewise, the Committee deliberated on the nominations of three Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the ad interim appointments of two Foreign Service Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Chairman, having evaluated their fitness and qualifications, your Committee ruled that the three nominees and two appointees possess all the fitness and qualifications to the positions which they were nominated or appointed.

As the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of AMBASSADOR WILFREDO CUNANAN SANTOS as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Islamic Republic of Iran, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Prior to his nomination to his present post, AMBASSADOR SANTOS was the Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Qatar. He started his diplomatic career as a Foreign Service Officer IV in 1994 and has worked his way up in the hierarchy to assume significant posts in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

I also move that the Commission give its consent to the appointment of AMBASSADOR BERNADITA LEONIDA CATALLA, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Lebanon.

For 24 years, AMBASSADOR CATALLA has been with the Philippine Foreign Service. She held various posts in DFA since 1994, particularly at the Philippine Embassies in Malaysia, Indonesia and most recently in Hong Kong, as the Consul General of the Philippines.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Likewise, this representation recommends that the Commission give its consent to the appointment of ATTY. ADNAN VILLALUNA ALONTO as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Yemen.

ATTY. ALONTO is the son of the late Senator Ahmad Domocao Alangadi Alonto, who was known as the only Muslim elected to the House of Representatives, and subsequently to the Senate in the 1950s. The late Senator was also named among one of the 100 World's Greatest Islamic Leaders of the 20th Century.

Having reviewed his credentials and documentary requirements, I recommend that the Commission give its consent to the appointment of ATTY. ADNAN VILLALUNA ALONTO as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Yemen.

I so move, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, it is also my privilege and honor to recommend that the plenary approve the ad interim appointments of the two Foreign Service Officers, namely: